The College Dilemma: Why Dual Degrees & Trades May Beat the Traditional Path
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Release Date: 07/31/2025
The Trades Are Calling: Why College Isn’t the Only Smart Option Anymore
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Episode Summary College is a path—but it’s no longer the only path to a thriving future. In this episode, host Lisa Nehring breaks down why skilled trades (think welding, plumbing, HVAC, coding, and more) are exploding in demand and offer solid pay, zero college debt, and AI-proof job security. You’ll hear real-world salary numbers, success stories, and how True North Academy’s Trades & Tech Track can launch teens straight from high school into meaningful, well-paid work. Quick Listen Guide Timestamp Segment 0:00 Welcome & episode tease—“the trades are...
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The College Dilemma: Why Dual Degrees & Trades May Beat the Traditional Path
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Episode Sponsor CTC Math – The no-prep, self-paced homeschool math curriculum that takes the pressure off parents and actually makes sense to kids. Try it free at ctcmath.com. Episode Snapshot College costs are soaring, ideological climates are shifting, and more students than ever are graduating late—or not at all—with mountains of debt. In this candid info-session, Lisa Nehring (director of True North Academy) unpacks the “college dilemma” and lays out two practical alternatives: Dual Degree High School – earn an accredited bachelor’s while you finish high school. Tech...
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Thinking About Homeschooling? Transcripts, Skills, and Future-Ready
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🎬 Episode Title: Thinking About Homeschooling? Freedom + Accreditation with True North Academy The Math Homeschool Families Love. 🔔 Description Ready to homeschool without the fear of “messing it all up”? Lisa Nehring, Director of True North Academy, shares how an accredited online program can give you: Cognia accreditation – the safety net that validates credits for colleges & ESAs. Expert teachers – small, interactive classes with real-time feedback (no late-night algebra grading for you). Future-ready, faith-driven learning – electives & dual-degree options...
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Workshop Replay: The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Future of Homeschooling
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Overview: This workshop outlines how the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)—defined by rapid advancements in AI, robotics, biotech, and digital technologies—is disrupting every aspect of life, including education and work. As homeschooling parents, we have a powerful opportunity to prepare our children not just for a diploma, but for an adaptable, resilient, and purpose-driven life. 🏭 The Four Industrial Revolutions 1st IR (1760–1840): Steam and mechanization revolutionized travel and work. 2nd IR (1870–1914): Mass production and electricity; origins of the factory-model...
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What About These Times? Why World Geography Matters More Than Ever
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We’re living in disruptive times—and our kids need to understand the world to understand what’s going on. In this powerful episode, Lisa Nehring dives into why world geography isn’t just a school subject—it’s essential for critical thinking, global citizenship, and navigating today’s news. From the headlines in the Middle East to global gig economies and biblical prophecy, we unpack how understanding place and culture helps our students build discernment and purpose. Plus, Lisa shares favorite geography resources, how to talk to your kids about current events, and why True North...
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🎙️ Rethinking College: Smart Alternatives for Homeschoolers
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
🎙️ Rethinking College: Smart Alternatives for Homeschoolers Podcast: It's Not That Hard to Homeschool Host: Lisa Nehring Sponsored by: 🎧 Episode Summary In this episode, Lisa Nehring encourages homeschool parents to rethink the college experience and consider smarter, more affordable alternatives that align with their students' values, goals, and future career prospects. Lisa shares why the traditional 4-year college pathway is no longer the default and how families can save thousands by combining dual enrollment, CLEP, and strategic degree planning—all while preparing...
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Identity Tools: Teaching Kids How to Think
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Sponsor Shout-Out: Homeschooling math doesn’t have to end in tears—yours or your kids'. Our favorite math solution? CTC Math. With short, clear video lessons and a self-paced, no-prep format, it’s the curriculum we wish we’d started with sooner. Try it free at – and breathe easier. Episode Summary: In this lively episode, Lisa and Gina—your trusty admin team from It's Not That Hard to Homeschool—tackle a big question that’s come up often in our community: How do you teach your kids how to learn? The answer? The Five Common Topics—a powerful, flexible tool you can use across...
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📋 Show Notes: Teens today are facing a full-blown identity crisis. As parents, we’re watching our kids grow up in a world where anxiety, confusion, and cultural chaos are becoming the norm. But there is a solution—and it may be simpler than you think. In this episode, Lisa Nehring breaks down how solid academic foundations and intentional education can restore a teen’s sense of identity, purpose, and direction. She explains why our tweens and teens are feeling so lost—and how classical tools like reading, writing, critical thinking, and worldview exploration can ground them in truth...
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The One Tool Every Homeschooler Needs to Teach Critical Thinking
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📝 Show Notes: What if you had a simple, flexible, powerful tool that could teach your kids to think deeply about anything? In this episode, Lisa Nehring and Gina Glenn dive into the Five Common Topics—an ancient method (thank you, Aristotle!) that works beautifully in modern homeschooling. Whether you’re classically inclined or just want a stronger framework for conversation and learning, this method is your go-to for developing thinking, reasoning, and relational skills in your kids. It’s not a curriculum. It’s a mindset shift—and one that works across ages, subjects, and...
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College Is Changing—Is Your Teen Ready for What’s Next?
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
📝 Show Notes: The college world has changed. Costs are skyrocketing, transfer credits are a gamble, and many campuses no longer align with your family’s values. So what do you do when you want your teen to thrive in today’s economy—without drowning in debt? In this episode, Lisa Nehring introduces a game-changing alternative: the Dual Degree Program from True North Academy. It’s a revolutionary opportunity for homeschool students to earn a fully accredited 4-year bachelor’s degree while still in high school—from real colleges with real credentials. This might sound too good to...
info_outlineEpisode Sponsor
CTC Math – The no-prep, self-paced homeschool math curriculum that takes the pressure off parents and actually makes sense to kids. Try it free at ctcmath.com.
Episode Snapshot
College costs are soaring, ideological climates are shifting, and more students than ever are graduating late—or not at all—with mountains of debt. In this candid info-session, Lisa Nehring (director of True North Academy) unpacks the “college dilemma” and lays out two practical alternatives:
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Dual Degree High School – earn an accredited bachelor’s while you finish high school.
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Tech & Trades Diploma – a two-year fast-track that marries solid academics with apprenticeship-ready skills.
Along the way she tackles FAFSA headaches, the national trades shortage, protecting your teen’s faith on campus, and how True North’s advising team walks families through every step.
Key Takeaways
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Sticker Shock: College tuition up 20 % in 10 years; textbooks up 400 %. Average in-state cost now ~$28K/yr; many privates top $65K.
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Debt Trap: U.S. student-loan debt = $1.1 trillion; deregulated lenders can capitalize unpaid interest during forbearance, ballooning balances.
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Completion Crisis: Average time to a bachelor’s is 6 years; >50 % of freshmen never finish.
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Ideological Pressure: 70 % of incoming evangelical students renounce faith by Thanksgiving of freshman year; many never return.
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Trades Opportunity: 7 million skilled-trade openings now; projected shortfall of 2 million more by 2030. Starting wages often $18–$30/hr with zero college debt.
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True North Solutions:
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Dual Degree: 120 credits + high-school diploma, fully Cognia-accredited, ESA/and may be 529-eligible, no debt.
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Tech & Trades: 22 HS credits in two years, core academics + life & soft-skills, direct links to vetted apprenticeships (HVAC, electrical, auto, welding & more).
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Mix-and-Match: Students can start with trades and layer on the dual degree—or vice versa—based on goals.
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Support Built In: Dedicated advisors, robust LMS “virtual campus,” study-guide-plus-exam model (re-takeable), and a Christ-centered worldview throughout.
Timestamp Guide
| Time | Segment |
|---|---|
| 00:00 | Sponsor message – CTC Math |
| 01:05 | Lisa’s intro & credentials (5 graduate degrees + 30 yrs homeschooling) |
| 05:20 | What’s changed since 2020: rising costs & ideological shift |
| 10:40 | The true price tag: tuition, textbooks, student-loan traps |
| 17:15 | Why so many students need remediation & still drop out |
| 22:50 | Faith on campus: statistics that should sober parents |
| 27:30 | Trades shortage by the numbers – and why it matters |
| 31:45 | Dual Degree vs. Dual Credit: critical differences |
| 36:10 | Inside True North’s Dual Degree structure (10 classes/yr) |
| 42:05 | Tech & Trades Diploma overview & first-year core |
| 46:30 | Q&A: transferring credits, finding apprenticeships, combining paths |
| 53:10 | Next steps & free advising call |
(Times are approximate – use your podcast player’s chapter markers.)
Memorable Quote
“Why pay for extra years of school when your teen can graduate with no debt, real-world skills, and a degree in hand before their peers even move into the dorms?”
Resources & Links
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True North Academy Dual Degree Program – Details, sample course map, FAQs
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Tech & Trades Diploma – Curriculum snapshot & tuition info
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Free PDF: College Dilemma Checklist (QR code shared during the info meeting)
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Schedule a 15-minute advising call (no cost)
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Book recommendation: The Defining Decade by Dr. Meg Jay
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Dave Ramsey video on student-loan forbearance pitfalls
(All links available in the episode description.)
Ready to explore a dual-degree or trades track for your teen? Book a free advising session with True North Academy today and discover a path that fits your family’s budget, timeline, and values.